School Travel Plan

What is a School Travel Plan?

A School Travel Plan is a strategic framework designed to encourage sustainable and active travel to and from schools. It aims to reduce car use, improve safety, promote healthier lifestyles, and enhance air quality for students, staff, and families. By engaging the entire school community, a School Travel Plan fosters lasting travel behaviour change, creating safer and more environmentally friendly journeys for all.

Why is a School Travel Plan Important?

• Safety First: Reduce congestion and improve safety around school gates.
• Healthier Lifestyles: Encourage walking, cycling, and scooting to improve physical and mental well-being.
• Improved Air Quality: Lower vehicle emissions around the school to create a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone.
• Environmental Impact: Help reduce carbon footprints and contribute to a greener planet.
• Community Benefits: Build stronger relationships with local residents by reducing traffic issues.

What Does a School Travel Plan Include?

A comprehensive School Travel Plan consists of several key components:

1. Site Audit:

   • Assess existing and proposed transport links around the school.
   • Highlight facilities like cycle parking or walking routes that support sustainable travel.

2. Travel Surveys:

   • Gather insights from students, staff, and parents on how they currently travel and their preferences.
   • Engage with key stakeholders to identify opportunities for change.

3. Travel & Transport Issues:

   • Identify challenges such as parking congestion, unsafe crossings, or limited cycling facilities.

4. Aims & Objectives:

   • Define what the plan seeks to achieve, such as reducing car trips by 20% or increasing walking and cycling rates.

5. Targets:

   • Set measurable goals to track progress, such as doubling the number of students cycling to school.

6. Action Plan:

   • Detail specific activities, like Walk to School weeks, cycle training, or installing bike racks.

7. Monitoring & Evaluation:

   • Outline how success will be tracked over time, ensuring the plan evolves based on feedback and outcomes.

National Guidelines and Policy Support

According to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), all developments generating significant movement, including schools, are required to provide a Travel Plan. This ensures transport-related impacts are addressed from the earliest planning stages. A School Travel Plan aligns with these guidelines to create safer, sustainable, and practical travel solutions for the school community.

How Modeshift STARS Can Help

Modeshift STARS provides a nationally accredited framework to support schools in developing and delivering effective Travel Plans. By moving beyond "tick-box exercises," Modeshift STARS helps schools create meaningful, action-oriented plans that result in tangible benefits.

Take Action Now

Gloucestershire schools can play a vital role in building healthier, safer, and more sustainable communities while contributing to cleaner air for students and families. Join the movement towards active travel by developing your School Travel Plan today.

For more information or support, contact ThinkTravel or visit Modeshift STARS. Let’s create a brighter, greener future for our children and our community!